Gold is higher in most currencies but especially in dollars and Swiss francs. The dollar and European equities are lower due to nervousness prior to Bernanke’s speech at Jackson Hole. Expectations are waning that Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke will indicate further quantitative easing measures to prop up the ailing U.S. economy – at least in the short term.

Gold rose sharply from the low of $1,704.25 yesterday and eked out a 0.3% gain. It is too soon to say if the sell off is over though.

Gold is set to finish the week lower as it is 3.7% lower so far on the week. This will embolden the momentum traders on the COMEX. There is also the risk of another margin increase from the CME. Although it is hard to know how they could justify this as gold’s leverage is now in line with most commodities and less than that on US Treasuries.